Eton in Berkshire

Visit Eton and the surrounding villages and stay in bed & breakfast accommodation:

Eton, Berkshire. This little town, known the world over because of its association with the famous school of this name, is of ancient origin. During the 11th century it was the residence of Queen Edith, wife of Edward the Confessor.

Eton College, the second oldest public school in the country, was founded by royal charter by King Henry VI in 1440. Originally it had 70 scholars who were fed and educated free of charge.

In the narrow streets of Eton, life focuses round the college, and the small shops have catered for the school for decades.

The school itself occupies a large part of the town and its extensive buildings are all of different architectural periods. The Lower School, dating from 1443 and still in use, was for 200 years the only schoolroom. The Upper School was built in 1694 and on the desks and panelling will be found the carved names of Walpole, Shelley, Gladstone, Macmillan and Eden, The chapel nearby is the finest Perpendicular building in the county, noted for its exquisite fan-vaulted roof of Clipsham stone. There are many features of interest in the college, including Lupton's tower, built in 1571, the beautiful cloisters and the l8th century college library.

A short stroll will bring you to the 15th century Cockpit, once used for cock-fighting, and beside it are the parish stock and whipping post. If you visit the town during term-time everywhere will be seen the boys of the school, distinguishable by their coats and stiff Eton collars.

By the river, where there have been common lands since the 7th century, there is a fine view of Windsor Castle. The famous boathouses by the bridge are a popular summer meeting place.